Monument in Split to be replaced following court ruling

Štandarac on Narodni trg (Photo credit: Grad Split)

The City of Split has announced plans to remove the current štandarac monument from Narodni trg and replace it with a new one that will feature all key dates from the city’s history, including the date of Split’s liberation from fascism.

The decision follows a ruling by the Commercial Court, which ordered the removal of the liberation date inscription on the monument after a lawsuit by sculptor Kuzma Kovačić, Grad Split said.

Important dates from the history of Split are inscribed on it, from the construction of the palace to the adoption of the first city statute.

For years, anti-fascist associations have been asking for the date October 26, 1944, the day of liberation of Split from fascism, to be entered. Less than a year ago the City of Split done this.

Štandarac on Narodni trg (Photo credit: Grad Split)

Kovačić sued the City because he claims that his artwork was altered without his consent with the adding of the date inscription.

Mayor Ivica Puljak confirmed that the city will comply with the ruling but will also take further action.

New Monument for Split’s History

“We will remove the inscription as required, but at the same time, we will initiate the process of installing a new štandarac, which will not be an individual’s copyrighted work. Decisions about Split’s history should not depend on individuals with questionable intentions,” said Puljak.

Mayor Ivica Puljak (Photo credit: Grad Split)

The current štandarac, after the removal of the inscription, will be offered to the Museum of Victory in Šibenik. “If they refuse, we will find another solution,” added the mayor.

Legal Dispute and City’s Response

When asked if Kovačić could sue over the removal of the štandarac, Puljak dismissed the concern, stating that the monument belongs to the City of Split and is considered public infrastructure.

“This ruling sets a dangerous precedent. If monuments can be considered copyrighted works, what’s next? Flags? That would be absurd. We will appeal this decision, as it is an attack on the history of Split,” Puljak emphasised.

(Photo credit: Grad Split)

Transparent Process for the New Štandarac

The city has 15 days to implement the court’s decision, after which a committee will decide on the new design, followed by approval from the City Council. Puljak assured that the process will be transparent and that the new monument will respect the city’s historical legacy.

“Split and Dalmatia are part of Croatia, and that will never change. The new štandarac will reflect the true history of our city,” he concluded.

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